2018 Honda Accord: Beautifying the humble family sedan

In its 42-year lifespan, the Honda Accord has exemplified the art of the family sedan. Year in and year out, it wins high marks for its mastery of things that matter. Basics like safety, creature comfort, reliability and a low cost of ownership.

Accord even gets kudos for driver engagement. It’s not a sport sedan, but it’s responsive and nimble. Handling and ride quality harmoniously co-exist.

Accord is roomy — it has the most generous back seating area in the midsize segment — and build quality and fit-and-finish are impeccable.

The bearing of a luxury sedan

For all its virtues, though, the Accord ($23,570) has never been a glamour-puss. It’s attractive enough to have sold nearly 13 million copies, but, as with most Honda products, understatement has been its most consistent design strategy.

But that changes this year. For 2018, Accord is redrawn with a sweeping roofline that extends rearward to take in the rear decklid. Deep bodyside creases complement the new silhouette.

A wider and lower stance imparts a dynamic presence. European undertones lend Accord the bearing of a luxury sedan.

Honda calls the remake the most dramatic in Accord history. The stem-to-stern makeover finds Accord planted on a rigid and lightweight new platform. A new aluminum-intense suspension improves ride and handling and makes room for additional crash reinforcement, rear-seat legroom and trunk space.

Intelligent dashboard design, quality materials and first-rate fit-and-finish make the cabin a fine place to while away some time. The seats are broad and supportive and comfortable and a decent amount of casual storage helps reduce cabin chaos.

Every Accord is fitted with a touchscreen — either 7.0 or 8.0 inches, depending on trim — that’s located high in the dash for easy visibility. Bluetooth and USB connectivity are available but only systems with the 8.0-inch screen include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Honda has made great strides in reducing wind and road noise, though some road surfaces can still raise a racket.

Three powertrain choices

Honda eliminates last year’s up-level six-cylinder engine. Now, the powertrain family comprises three choices; a pair of turbocharged four-cylinder engines, a 1.5-liter four that makes 192 horsepower or a new 252-hp 2.0-liter four. A 212-hp Accord Hybrid earns a 47-mpg combined rating from the EPA.

The 1.5-liter turbo is mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) or, in Sport trim, to the CVT or a short-throw 6-speed manual transmission. The 2.0-liter four can be paired with the stick shift or a new 10-speed automatic.

Ungainly gear selector

The 2.0-liter four paired with the automatic to power our Touring trim ($33,800) tester. It’s punchy and refined but not as quiet under acceleration as the six it replaces.

The Hybrid and the 2.0-liter bring a console-mounted push-button gear selector that can't be operated quickly. This can be a problem when one is trying to make a quick three-point turn or dislodge the Accord from snow by rocking it.

Steering is light and provides the driver with little information from the road surface. Despite a bit of vagueness on-center, the Accord tracks true. The Touring trim’s Sport mode firms up feel and feedback.

For years, Accord has meant basic, high-quality transportation for millions. For 2018, that mission is both deepened and amended; our favorite midsize family sedan now is not only a great ride but a bona fide beauty to boot.